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Balanites roxburghii

Family: Zygophyllaceae

What it is like

A spiny tree. It grows 9 m tall. The leaves have leaflets. The flowers are greenish white. They are small and have a scent. The fruit pods are 4.5 cm long by 2.5 cm wide.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in open sandy places. It grows up to 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The pulp of the fruit is eaten. They are bitter.

Edible parts

Fruit - medicine

How it is grown

The seeds are soaked in water for several hours before planting.

Its other names

Local names

Garachetti, Gari, Hingol, Hingot, Ingala, Ingalike, Namunta, Nanchunta, Tapasataru, Tiktaka

Synonyms

Agialid roxburghii (Planch.) Kuntze; Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Delile var, roxburghii Duthie; Balanites indica Tiegh.; Balanites jacquemontii Tiegh.; Balanites rigida Royle ex B.D. Jacks.; Coccocypselum herbaceum Royle;